Archive for the ‘Assurance’ Category

8 Feb

Our Rock and Salvation

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, Hope, Peace, Trust, Worship.

Hello friends,
Winter has returned to the area. This means snow and more snow, with very cold temperatures. For most of you this is not news; for the rest, enjoy the weather you are experiencing. Monday morning, I will be taking our alley cat to the vet for some surgery. This is the cat who adopted us last summer. She had kittens in our carport, and she wouldn’t take no for an answer when I told her to take them elsewhere. The kittens are gone, and now she has taken up residence in the house. I’ll let you know how it goes.

After last week’s column, I had several well-meaning, and encouraging suggestions for continuing to share my thoughts with you. I will keep writing, as long as the Lord gives me the strength and inspiration to do so. Thanks to all who take the time to read these articles each week.

The cultural and political landscape continues to be of concern for God’s people. There is much that gives us cause to wonder what next? Rather than allow all that to negatively affect our view of the current time, along with worrying what the future might bring, we need to focus on the Lord. There are two Psalms that have encouraged me through difficult times in the past. I would like to share parts of them with you this week.

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Find rest, O my soul, In God alone; my hope comes from him
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge (Psalm 62:1-2, 5-7).

I will extoll the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles (Psalm 34:1-6).

Because of Him,
Pastor Jerry

25 Jan

Stormy Weather

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Faith, God's Word, Miracles, Peace, Trials, Trust.

Dear friends,
We are living in stormy times. I say this partly because of the prediction of another winter storm coming our way. The past week has been colder, with some sunshine early in the week. The last couple of days have been cloudy, but with light winds. Such is winter in Nebraska. For those who live here, we understand this is part of the journey to springtime weather.

It is a stormy time in our country and culture, as well. We wonder what lies ahead, and to be honest, we can become discouraged as we see the storm clouds gathering. The disciples of Jesus were crossing the sea in a boat and got caught in a severe storm. There is a lesson here for us as we face the storms of life.

From Luke 8:22-25, we read: One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke Him saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, all was calm. “Where is your faith?” He asked His disciples
In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him.”

In the middle of the storm, they forgot who was in the boat with them. They had seen evidence of His power over creation by the miracles he had done, yet there in the middle of the wind and waves, they panicked.

Isn’t this what we are prone to do? We commit to following Jesus, but when the storms roll in, we forget that He is present in the stormy weather, as well in the sunny days. He is our Rock and our Salvation in the good times and the bad.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?… For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 38-39).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

18 Jan

Visible Proof

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Creation, God's Word, Praise, Witness, Worship.

Hello friends,

As we begin a new week, I can tell you I have had a six-month checkup of my aorta repair. Doc said to come back in a year. Praise the Lord for gifted doctors, and for healing.

Weather update… The yo-yo effect continues as we move from one weather extreme to another. How about blizzards and prairie fires in the same week? Have you noticed the daylight hours are lengthening? It’s encouraging to think that longer days and shorter nights are just ahead.

We are blessed to live where we do. The sunrises and sunsets I believe, are unequaled anywhere in the world. Every day we are shown God’s glory in creation. I would add this; no matter where you may live, the Creation testifies to the existence of the Creator. As the scripture would indicate, mankind has no excuse for not knowing God. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen… so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

If anyone has difficulty grasping the evidence of a Creator God, I suggest reading the following verses, and spend time taking in the beauty of this world. God is not hiding from us.

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the Earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.” Psalm 8:1.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1.

“The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of holy ones.” Psalm 89:5.

“The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.” Psalm 97:6.

“Be exalted, O God, above all the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.” Psalm 108:5

“The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.” Psalm 113:4.

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” Psalm 148:3

Having read those preceding verses, our proper response will be to praise Him, as is done in the following:

“Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise Him for his acts of power; praise Him for his surpassing greatness… Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:1-2, 6).

Praise the Lord,

Pastor Jerry

14 Dec

Christmas Hope

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Assurance, Christmas, Contentment, God's Word, Politics, Salvation.

Hello all,
Our Christmas decorations are up, and now we can enjoy them. The lake community has taken on a festive look with all the lights on display and you are welcome to drive through the community and take a look. The lack of snow doesn’t give that “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” look, but in checking the forecast, this might change.

In the aftermath of the election, there is much discussion over what the future looks like. There are many opinions, but very few solid facts. The one thing that comes to me is this; if anyone is depending on politicians to save the world, they are placing their faith in the wrong thing. Don’t waste your time and energy on this one. Government will not save you, neither will a president, governor or king. Politics is not the savior of anyone. Only Jesus Christ can save. The Bible clearly states that the world is broken because of sin, and He is the only remedy.

In the Psalms we read, “Some trust in chariots and horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

At Christmas time, the old carols remind us of the reason He came, and they give us joy and a hope for the future.
Joy to the world, the Lord has come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing….

One of my favorites is “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Written in a dark time, it speaks of future hope. I’ll begin at verse three;
And in despair I bowed my head; “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day—a voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Do not despair. God is still on His throne. He is not sleeping. He is fulfilling his plan and purpose. Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (John 5:17).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

9 Nov

Our Calling

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Calling, Christian Living, Culture, God's Word, Obedience, Trials, Witness.

Dear friends,
The garage project has progressed to the point we can close the doors and keep the snow out. It isn’t done, but we like it so far. At this point, we are waiting for material to finish the project. After the winds of the last few days, I believe it has passed the test.

How is this for a song title? Life Ain’t Fair and the World is Mean! I didn’t make this up; there is a song with that title being played on the bluegrass channel from satellite radio. After the election, there are those who can relate. In any situation there are those who are happy and others who are disappointed. It is true; life isn’t fair, and the world is mean. Trouble comes, and life isn’t fair. Elections are about competing world-views, someone wins, and someone loses. What is fair to one doesn’t seem fair to another.

The world is mean, especially to Christians. Nowhere does the Bible indicate the Christian is going to be loved and accepted by the world. Jesus, speaking to his disciples said this; “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why it hates you.” (John 15:19b). Also, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Here is something I read this week. These are wise words for us; “With election day behind us, we Christians need to remember our primary calling has not changed. Let your faith be encouraged in the fact that God reigns. Continue going out into the world proclaiming the Good News. Stand firm, keep fighting for justice. And love your neighbor.”

Peter reminds us to “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (2 Peter 2:16).

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person” (Colossians 4:6). As Christians, we remember that God has placed here to be witnesses for the Lord Jesus.

Because of Him,
Pastor Jerry

2 Nov

Our Hope

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Culture, Faith, God's Word, Politics, Rest, Trust, Truth.

Dear friends,
The weather continues to be more fall-like again. We have taken advantage of the warmer temps to work on the carport/garage project. If all goes well, we will have it enclosed before the cool-down next week.

The big event of this week will be the election on Tuesday. Some of you will receive this column after the fact, but whatever the outcome, we can be assured of the fact that no matter who is in the White House in January, God will still be on His throne, and Jesus Christ will still be Lord of all. We who know Jesus will take comfort in that knowledge.

In times like these, I am drawn to the Psalms; especially those Psalms that proclaim God’s rule over every aspect of life, including governments of nations and states. There are those who believe human governments have the solutions to our problems; that all our problems can be solved if we just elect the right people. I submit that our problems are first of all spiritual, and I truly believe that unless we turn back to God as a nation’ and as a people, our problems are just beginning.

Read the words of Psalm 2:
Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his Anointed One: “Lets tear off their chains and throw their ropes off us”

The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them. Then he speaks to them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath: “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain”
I will declare the Lord’s decree. He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance and the ends of the earth your possession.
You will break them with an iron scepter; you will shatter them like pottery.”

So now, kings, be wise; receive instruction, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling.
Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion,
for his anger may ignite at any moment.
All who take refuge in him are happy.

“Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

17 Aug

End Times; Who Knows?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Christian Living, Contentment, End Times, Faith, God's Word, Salvation, Witness.

Hello friends,
We’re back after spending three nights at one of my favorite places to park the camper. It’s one of those out of the way places that I think a lot of people bypass, because there is no Wi-Fi, and cell service is sketchy at best. It gives one a chance to think about things other than what you see on social media.

If there was a downside to the week, I came down with one of those nasty summer colds. I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to a head cold, I’m just a wimp! I have dealt with things that others would consider painful, and they didn’t seem to be a big deal for me; not so with cold symptoms. It is Sunday as I write this, so I expect to be almost normal by Tuesday. An old family doctor once told me a cold lasts a week if you treat it, and seven days if you don’t!

I didn’t get any profound inspiration for a column while we were camped in that quiet place. It was good to just relax and enjoy the surroundings, although in the evenings, the mosquitos would drive me indoors.

The world is certainly in a mess these days. People are talking about the end times and wondering if the end of the world is upon us, but for anyone to say this is the beginning of the end is being presumptuous. No one can presume to know what is on God’s mind, or what day the Lord will return. Jesus said no one could know that day, not even the Son of God. It’s God’s plan, and he will bring it to conclusion in his time, and on his terms.

Our responsibility is not to sit around speculating on days and dates, but to be intentionally sharing the gospel with those who don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ.

The apostle Peter said this, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:8-9).

The end will come. Do you know Jesus? Today is the day of salvation!

In Love,
Pastor Jerry

3 Aug

Heading Home

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Eternity, Heaven, Hope, Rest, Righteousness.

Hello friends,
We made it back home from our last camping adventure. I saw the doctor on Monday, and he told me to come back in six months for a scan. If it looks okay, then I will get annual check-ups. We enjoyed the time away, but coming home is sometimes the best part of the journey. Thinking of coming home reminds me that for Christians, we are just passing through this world on our way to heaven, our eternal home.

God’s people, in various scriptures and Bible translations have been called strangers in the world (1 Peter 1:1), temporary residents (Hebrews 11:13), strangers and exiles / aliens and strangers (1 Peter 2:11).

As God’s people, we are traveling through life as strangers in a foreign land. We don’t belong here, because our true home is at the end of the journey. God has placed each one of us where we are, but this is not our final home. The writer of Hebrews likened this life to a race. “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnare us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us” (Hebrews 12:1). There is a goal in front of us, and we are not to be distracted by the things going on around us, but to focus on the finish line.

I pray we can say with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7).

In the last two chapters of Revelation, the apostle John describes what he called the new Jerusalem, along with a new heaven and a new earth. He tried to describe what cannot be described in human terms.

We must not become so familiar with the world and its ways that we lose sight of our heavenly destination. There are blessings along the way as we travel this road, but heaven will be so much more.
Going home to heaven is obviously going to be the best part of our life’s journey!

Just passing through,
Pastor Jerry

27 Jul

Peaceful Sleep

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, God's Word, Peace, Planning, Rest.

Dear readers,
Here we have another camping fiasco, complete with AC that doesn’t, plans gone awry, and tense moments between the ‘happy’ campers! Oh, this too, shall pass. In the future, the planner will probably plan ahead, that is until the memory of this trip fades in the affected minds. Given the frailty of the aging memory, it will probably happen again somewhere down the road. Every outing becomes a new adventure!

I was scheduled to provide pulpit supply on Sunday, but when we arrived at our intended campsite, we were informed that it wasn’t available, due to a county fair being held there (and, of course, the virus being an issue). We did get to park at friends from the church there, so it worked out for good. As I write this Sunday evening, we are in an RV park near Kearney. I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for Monday at 1 pm. This is a follow up from my last procedure, and I hope the last for a while.

Sunday’s message was built on the idea that, no matter how crazy the world gets we can depend on God to always be there for us. We are not to worry or to be anxious about anything. Neither are we to be (to use the Christian term for worry), “concerned” with the things we cannot control.

Do you lie awake at night because the wheels of your mind won’t stop turning? Listen to these words from Psalm 16:7-9; “I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I will always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.” [CSB (Christian Standard Bible)].

As we rest in God’s protecting arms, we can say as the psalmist, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence (think virus) that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday” (Psalm 91:4-6).

Final thought; Worry is like riding a stationary bicycle, it gives you something to do, but you never get anywhere!

Trust in God,
Pastor Jerry

13 Jul

Where Are You Headed?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Change, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, Judgment, Righteousness, Salvation, Witness.

Hello faithful readers,
Last week, I told you I was going to have a procedure to repair a weak spot in my aorta. That has been done, and from all reports, it was successful. I thank you for each and every prayer said on my behalf. God is good, all the time.

It was another busy weekend here at the lake. It is encouraging to see so many families enjoying all that the area has to offer. We did receive nearly two inches of rain this week, some got more, some less, in any event it was very much appreciated.

These are uncertain times for most people. What with the covid19 virus, political unrest, economic worries, or whatever might be on your mind, many are concerned about the future.

As a young man, I didn’t spend a lot of time contemplating the future, well maybe as far ahead as my next meal, or the weekend. Thoughts of spiritual matters were very far from my mind even into my thirties. I tried to be just enough better than others I knew, so that if there was judgment at some point, I would surely be good enough to make it through.

Imagine my surprise to find out that none of my preconceived notions of self-righteousness were going to impress a righteous and just God! As I started attending the little church down the road, I began to learn what the Bible really said about sin and my standing with God. Starting with Adam and Eve, every person is born with a sin nature. We have been separated from God by our sin, and we can do nothing on our own to restore that relationship.

Hear the word of the Lord; As It is written, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3: 10-12).
“There is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The answer is Jesus; “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved… for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

Forever His,
Pastor Jerry

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »